Getting Organized for School Mornings

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In a few days my daughter starts kindergarten. No longer will we roll out of bed, play a bit, and then eventually meander to the breakfast table. Our mornings will be all about waking up on time, getting dressed, and out the door in time to get to school. This past week I’ve been trying to get organized for school mornings.

There are some simple ways to get the kids out the door a little more smoothly in the mornings.

Have your child lay out their clothes the night before. This will eliminate the last minute search for that special skirt that matches their favorite shirt.

Get backpacks packed the night before. Skip the drama of looking for last night’s homework or those gym clothes in the morning.

If your child packs lunch, get that lunch made the night before.

Along with those simple ideas, you can also make school mornings go more smoothly with a bit of organizing.

Organizing Lunch Box Items

It’s amazing how quickly the collection of sandwich boxes, drink bottles, lunch boxes, and other lunch related items you can acquire when your kids start school. These items need a space of their own where they can be in one spot instead of spread out throughout the kitchen. This will make lunch packing go much more smoothly.

We are fortunate to have a small cabinet with pull-out shelves that works perfectly for this. I like having the cabinet down low so the kids can help put items away once they are clean and can even help pack lunch.

Organizing Lunch Snack Choices

When it comes to lunches, it’s also helpful to organize school-friendly snacks and desserts. We created a separate place in our pantry for desserts, fruit cups/applesauce containers, and other snack items (Goldfish crackers and dried fruits) to be stored separately. This makes it easy to quickly find items you are looking for.

I like using what we already have on hand, so I recycled a couple mismatched baskets and even a sturdy cardboard box. You could always find matching containers at the dollar store if you want a more cohesive look. Having them stored in separate containers also makes it easy for kids to find the snacks they are looking for. Letting kids have a say in what gets packed means they are more likely to eat their lunch.

Getting Ready for School Checklist

Finally, what I think will be the biggest help in getting us out the door in time is this simple flip chart.

I used some over-sized paint samples I had in our art supplies and wrote out each step of our morning process. I also included a simple picture on each card to make it easier for my non-reader to follow.

By punching a hole in the corner of each card and threading them onto a large metal or plastic ring, you can make a getting ready for school flip chart. (I like using what I have on hand, so I recycled a baby toy link and just wrapped a bit of tape around the opening in the ring to keep the cards from falling off. You can also use a metal binder ring.)

Are you ready for back to school? I hope these simple tips help you feel more organized for school mornings!

Comments

It all looks great. I’m trying to be more organized this year. I m trying a meal plan chart. I have a daily schedule on the fridge. My goal is to have as consistent as possible schedule with dinner, baths, and bedtime because I feel like we were all over the place last year. I wish you good luck with the new year. We also got the felt dolls in the mail. My girls love them. Thank you very much.Angela recently posted..The Top 5 on my Motherhood Go to Hell List

Have her set out her clothes for the next day, right down to the underwear, so there won’t be any decisions to make in the morning. Also have her school bag ready to go the night before with what she needs for the next day (ie gym clothes, homework, etc). The fewer tasks and decisions there are when you are all still half-awake, the better.Kat recently posted..Ten Things to Smile About This Summer

WOW…super organized babe. Can I link back to this post in two Thursdays? I am starting to get ready… with lunch bags and snacks in one place. I like your kid schedule, I have to get a calendar ready for Dino when he goes back to daycare everyday…I like the idea of it though. I may work on a similar type one in chart format…karen recently posted..SILLY SUNDAY, AWARD, and WEEKLY ROUNDUP

I don’t have a school aged child but I do love your organisation ideas in order to make your morning flow, this would certainly make morning routines a lot easier!Eva @ The Multitasking Mummy recently posted..Mummy Mondays – Cars Birthday Party Ideas

Could you be MORE organized???? I love these things you did to help your daughter!! I lay out my kids’ clothes for the week on Sunday. Then there is no worrying about what to wear every morning!!! XOChris Carter recently posted..Devotional Dairy: Friendship 1John 3:16

I was debating picking out clothes for the whole week. I even got a little organizer to put each outfit in — but my daughter quickly put all her shoes in the little cubbies… Since her shoes were all over the place, I decided she might have a better idea than her momma! 🙂

Great tips! We’re starting school on Monday — have to get all four kids out of the house by 7:45 so big sister can get to school. No more leisurely mornings is right! One thing that’s really helped us is having all shoes and socks in pull out drawers in the hall closet. Makes it fast!Anna@The Measured Mom recently posted..Getting to know The Measured Mom

We start pre-K this year at a new school. I am looking forward to it, she however is anxious. Great ideas to get ready for it. Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday!Carrie recently posted..Math Lessons: Math in Nature

I think you’ve done great. Sadly, there will just be those days where one or the other of your children just doesn’t want to get up and get ready. Overall, it’s going to be a fun year for all of you.Donna Yates recently posted..Time for a What Makes Me Laugh Post

Oh, there have been a few “I don’t want to go…” moments b/c she wants to stay and play with her brother…. I’m sure when it is winter those moments will happen more often. And truthfully, Mommy won’t want to have to get in the car to drive, either!